Wolf Pack English volunteer program begins

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Steven Doty
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Upon arriving for a remote tour here at Kunsan, many Airmen may feel intimidated and nervous at the initial thought of living in an unfamiliar country. Most anticipation is the result of adapting to a new environment and being separated from friends and family. There also may be an uncertainty when confronted with the language barrier from simple interactions with people to traveling within the country.

What many people might not know is that many Koreans make every attempt to learn the English language in order to interact, communicate and develop relationships with the U.S. and its service members.

Students are encouraged to take an English course in school, because many jobs require some level of English comprehension. As a bonus, the ability to speak English gives them a means to interact with the local military and continue to maintain the strong U.S. and Republic of Korea alliance.

Ms. Rosemary Song is the 8th Fighter Wing community relations director, and is heading the Wolf Pack English volunteer program. She said the program is just one way Wolf Pack Airmen continue to build ties with the local community.

"Kunsan is supporting all of the schools in Gunsan City," Ms. Song said. "I feel this is a testament to the 8th Fighter Wing's commitment to maintaining a strong and durable alliance that will leave an impression for generations."

There are a number of different ways to learn a language, yet the most effective way, is to learn from those that speak the language on a day to day basis. More than 45 Airmen at Kunsan have volunteered to donate their time and knowledge to assist students at more than 32 local schools to learn English.

Staff Sgt. Shaundra Chatman, 8th Communications Squadron information manager, feels that it's important for service members to aid in the teaching process.

"This is a chance for kids to see and interact with an actual American versus what they see on television," Sergeant Chatman said. "It's an honor and privilege to have an opportunity to mix worlds and to place an impact on these students just as my teachers did."

Volunteers range from Airmen who are the rank of airman first class to senior master sergeants and Ms. Song said this opportunity is not about what job you have or what position you fill, rather about a chance to impact the community in more than a military aspect.

All volunteers have committed to spending two Saturdays a month for four months of their free time to teach students at their assigned school. They will teach a class ranging from 10 to 32 students for about 45 minutes.

This valuable time is important because they will not only be teaching an important class, but at the same time, they will be building and maintaining a working relationship with young and impressionable minds.

This is a responsibility that Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley, 8th Fighter Wing Command Chief, feels is important.

"The results of this program not only positively affect the children, but also our Airmen, resulting in a stronger bond with our host nation," Chief Brinkley said.

He also stressed how programs like this were the very reason that our host nation embraced us in such a tremendous way.

"Teaching is a process that involves a lot of patience and hard work, but even more so when confronted with a language barrier, he said." Fortunately, the reward for such challenges is greater than imaginable."